Former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been medically cleared to return to the NFL, according to various reports. Samuel Jr. underwent spinal fusion surgery in April. He plans to make free agency visits as soon as this week.
Samuel was limited to four appearances in 2024 before going on IR. The injury was described as a stinger in both shoulders. It eventually became clear that the spinal fusion surgery was needed.
Samuel entered the NFL as a second-round pick (No. 47 overall) of the Chargers during the 2021 NFL Draft. He's registered 176 tackles and six interceptions in 50 career games (47 starts). Samuel is a starting-caliber cornerback when healthy. We've identified three potential fits for him in free agency.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are expected to aggressively pursue talent upgrades prior to Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. Samuel represents a rare opportunity as a player who can be acquired near the deadline without giving up any capital in return. The Packers have legitimate aspirations to contend for a Super Bowl this year, and cornerback is a position they could look to improve.
Rotational corner Nate Hobbs is dealing with an injury. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are taking the majority of defensive snaps at boundary cornerback. The Packers routinely field three safeties, with Javon Bullard often playing the nickel. Nixon and Valentine are underrated players the general public doesn't fully appreciate, but Samuel would add quality depth here.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens got superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson back from injury and immediately blew out the Miami Dolphins 28-6 in Week 9. The Ravens improved to 3-5 and still believe in their postseason chances. They officially declared themselves as buyers at the trade deadline by acquiring pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick.
The Ravens also traded veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this week, essentially admitting he's past his prime. Nate Wiggins and Chido Awuzie are starting at outside corner with Marlon Humphrey playing a versatile role. Awuzie has been injury-prone throughout his career and the Ravens could use more depth here. Samuel would be a great fit to replace Alexander.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers currently lead the AFC North with a 5-3 record. Sunday's Week 9 upset over the Indianapolis Colts gave the Steelers some added cushion over the Ravens. Omar Khan has been among the more aggressive general managers in the league over the previous six months, surrounding Mike Tomlin's competitive squad with veterans in win-now mode.
The Steelers are ravaged by injury in the secondary. Jalen Ramsey exclusively played safety in the Colts game to cover for the absences. DeShon Elliott has a serious injury, and both Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark were also unavailable. Kyle Dugger was just acquired via trade. With Ramsey at safety, the Steelers are relying on Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, and Joey Porter Jr. at corner. Samuel would be a welcome addition.